What are the best stone types for outdoor seating in earthquake-prone regions?

When designing outdoor seating in earthquake-prone areas, selecting the right stone is crucial for safety and durability. The best stone types combine strength, flexibility, and resistance to cracking under seismic stress. Here are the top choices:

1. Granite: Highly durable and dense, granite resists shifting and cracking, making it ideal for benches and patio slabs.

2. Basalt: Known for its toughness, basalt handles seismic activity well and is often used in high-stress environments.

3. Slate: While slightly softer, slate’s layered structure allows slight movement without breaking, suitable for stepping stones.

4. Sandstone: A lighter option, sandstone absorbs vibrations better than rigid stones, reducing fracture risk.

5. Limestone: When properly sealed, limestone offers a balance of elegance and earthquake resilience.

For added safety, ensure stones are properly anchored and installed with flexible jointing materials to accommodate ground movement. Avoid brittle stones like marble in high-risk zones. By choosing these materials, you can create beautiful, long-lasting outdoor spaces even in seismic regions.